Known and Unknown

A Memoir

By: Donald Rumsfeld

Narrated by: Donald Rumsfeld

Length: 30 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

A powerful memoir from the late former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

With the same directness that defined his career in public service, Rumsfeld's memoir is filled with previously undisclosed details and insights about the Bush administration, 9/11, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. It also features Rumsfeld's unique and often surprising observations on eight decades of history.

Rumsfeld addresses the challenges and controversies of his illustrious career, from the unseating of the entrenched House Republican leader in 1965, to helping the Ford administration steer the country away from Watergate and Vietnam, to the war in Iraq, to confronting abuse at Abu Ghraib. Along the way, he offers his plainspoken, first-hand views, and often humorous and surprising anecdotes about some of the world's best-known figures, ranging from Elvis Presley to George W. Bush.

Both a fascinating narrative and an unprecedented glimpse into history, Known and Unknown captures the legacy of one of the most influential men in public service.

©2011 Donald Rumsfeld (P)2011 Penguin Audio

Well worth your time!

This book offers an in depth view into the life of "Rummy". I really enjoyed him as the narrator because it really felt like he was telling his story rather than hearing it from another person. I know he never will....but it would have been really interesting if he opened up about some of the dirt he did in his offices.

Leadership!

Words we use matter..Every once in a while a Great leader is born. To an ordinary American family. And over a lifetime of leadership we're seeing how important this person was to our history! Secretary Rumsfeld is one of the people! This is a living history book!

History in the Making

Donald Rumsfeld writes a much more interesting book than I expected. I had no idea that he started serving in government back in the early 1970's or the amount of open and honest assessments he could relay about government and decisions made from Nixon through Bush, Jr.

Along with his memories of government, Rumsfeld also served in the business world and has some interesting stories to tell from that side. He displays a deep understanding of government, interference in business and how nations react/act; Rumsfeld explains the various pressures brought to bear on nations through diplomatic channels and how coalitions are built.

This is a must read for those really interested in how the US made the decisions its made.

Rumsfeld Tells An Inspiring And Critical Review

I loved that Donald Rumsfeld narrated it. He is the man! I really enjoyed this book. I choose Rumsfeld 2016!

fabulous read!!

what a memoir!! Rumsfeld has been a committed and patriotic public servant. I learned much about modern politics from this book. A great read.

Legendary Narration by Rumsfeld!

First off, when you listen to this, you feel like you are having a 1x1 conversation with Rumsfeld. This audio book conveys his emotion, tone, and personality! Some parts of this book are down right hilarious, but it's clearly not supposed to be hilarious. Second, there is a lot about Rumsfeld that I didn't know about, but I found very interesting. I am sure the list of people with federal experience comparable to Rumsfeld would be VERY short. There is a lot more to him than the Bush years.

There were many parts of the book that were addicting and had to sit in my car to wait for a chapter to finish. It's a very long book and it probably took me a month to get through it. I am very pleased with this book and highly recommend it.

So now I know

I told a liberal friend of mine that I was listening to this book -- and got the predictable look of horror. I cannot understand why we live in a day when the memoirs of a person who played such a pivotal roll in our history are rejected out of hand. Give the book a break. This is not a political hack. It is not only real history, it will be a source document for historians long after we are dead and gone. Be intellectually honest enough to read/listen to both sides -- not for some polemical reason, but just to learn what really happened. And, even if you don't agree with how Mr. Rumsfeld interpreted his own historical experiences, you can at least understand how he saw them. Then, knowing will make you more informed, and that's what our country needs -- an informed electorate.

Donald Rumsfeld's new book

This is a remarkable account of the reality of the political/military/social aspects and therefore an undrstanding of the actual happenings of many events, particularly of those following 9/11. Regardless of one's political convictions, this is a must read. Very believable and clearly presented.

Overall impression.

Really learned allot about all the branch's and departments of government and how they all work together or not on critical issues the country are faced with.

Being a 20 year Marine who served in the 1st Gulf War, I really appreciate the book.

Learned allot and have a greater respect and love for this great country of ours. Although not perfect, this still is the greatest place to live.

God, please continue to guide and Bless this great nation and our elected officials and those who are serving in uniform and their family.

Fascinating career

Don Rumsfeld has lived an amazing life and has been linked w/ hundreds of the finest & brightest Americans & world leaders of the past 50 years. This is the '"other side" of the story. I'm confident that no matter how critical U may have been of his ethos or actions, you'll feel as tho, U understand him better and you'll have a more fuller understanding of the "hows & whys" behind so much of the pivotal moments for this world & our countrry